Loreal Gavin, 26, is motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing chick who loves tattoos, and she's been trained in culinary arts, baking and pastry. She was raised by her grandmother, who taught her to cook from her soul. Read on below to hear from Loreal, and learn about her style of cooking and thoughts on the competition.

Describe your cooking style or culinary point of view — in one sentence, if you can.Loreal: I have a grandmother's soul from the Deep South and an insatiable lust for adventure.

How did you prepare for the competition?Loreal: I didn't. I just knew that I had to come in here and be myself.